Wildfire warnings have now been issued for much of the UK, alongside advice to refrain from using barbecues due to dry conditions. 2025 was the United Kingdom's worst year for wildfires on record, and last summer’s fire on Fylingdales Moor was the largest ever recorded on the North York Moors. Covering some 20 square kilometres, it burnt over 1,400 hectares of peat, releasing an estimated 54,000 tonnes of CO₂.

In response to this context and the ongoing hot weather, the Countryside Alliance has issued guidance on preventing the start and spread of wildfires.

With a red alert for extreme heat issued by the Met Office, the Fire Severity Index (FSI) map, now maintained by Natural England with data supplied by the Met Office, shows ‘very high’ risk across swathes of the south of England, East Anglia, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands. The live FSI map can be viewed here. It should be noted that many areas of moorland, e.g. the North and South Pennines, are not listed as ‘high risk’ by the FSI, but should nevertheless be considered highly vulnerable to wildfire.

The ability of wildfires to start in rural locations, and under difficult conditions, is a threat that rural fire and rescue services have to be prepared for, and successful partnerships and groups have therefore been formed in high risk areas with great success, promoting cooperation and collaboration on wildfire issues. In this, gamekeepers and moorland managers have a particularly important role, as they are frequently the first to see and report wildfires, and their specialist equipment is invaluable in helping put them out.

You can help to prevent wildfires by following these measures when in the countryside:

• Ensure cigarettes are properly extinguished and discarded
• Do not start fires or use BBQs as they frequently cause wildfires
• Dispose of all litter appropriately
• Do not release sky lanterns. Once released, there is no control over where they end up
• Have a supply of water to hand in case of emergencies

If anyone finds themselves in a position where they encounter a wildfire that they are unable to bring under control safely, move to a safe location upwind and call the emergency services on 999 immediately, giving an accurate location of the fire. Make sure to follow instructions from the fire and rescue service.

Roger Seddon, Shooting Campaign Manager at the Countryside Alliance said:

"The heaths and moors of Britain play a hugely important role in supporting biodiversity, carbon sequestration and local jobs, but in the current heatwave they are vulnerable to total destruction from wildfires caused by irresponsible behaviour. Wildfires can have a devastating impact on farming, local communities and protected habitats, especially in areas without the wildfire risk mitigation of rotational cool-burns conducted by gamekeepers. Remaining vigilant and cautious during hot weather, as well as increasing awareness amongst those that want to enjoy our beautiful countryside is key to reducing risk."